Feedback from the issue of Thursday, September 11, 2008

How do we get rid of tyrants?: I want to thank you so much for standing up for justice ("Free Ray Stern," Michael Lacey, August 28). I don't know what we would do without New Times — Lacey, Jim Larkin, Ray Stern (my new hero), and John Dougherty (my old hero).

It's hard for me to believe that Sheriff Joe Arpaio and his goons still have jobs. What do we have to do to get rid of corrupt officials?

Please keep up the pressure by exposing this guy for what he is. Our grandchildren will thank you for what you do today, and I applaud you and support you with all my heart.

I am a 59-year-old ex-Marine. My dad left half his ass in Germany during World War II, and I thought we all fought to rid the world of tyrants like Arpaio.

Evidently, some of us have lost sight of our values along the way.James W. McHugh, Phoenix

You get what you deserve: Why do you at New Times keep on attacking Sheriff Joe? After all, he didn't become sheriff by military coup! He's where he is only because the good citizens of Maricopa County elected him.

You want to know who is to blame for Sheriff Joe? Just haul out the Maricopa County electoral list and count them.

As for me, I'm moving to Yavapai, and to all you Maricopans, all I can say is: You get what you choose, and you get what you deserve.Ed Miller, Phoenix

Acting like common thugs: I smell a movie in the making. What better time for a story based on government lies and abuse of the people? I was born and raised in Phoenix (South Mountain area) and went to Tempe schools, so I know Maricopa county.

As a teenager (a 13-year-old at McClintock High School), I ran away from home and was caught and held at the Durango juvenile detention center. I was repeatedly kicked by an officer wearing pointed cowboy boots.

I understand from a brother who worked at a juvenile prison that the juveniles are still beaten and abused. Arizona must be proud.

My problem at home was my step-dad, a full-blown alcoholic. He was the sole survivor of a B-29 shot down over Tokyo in WWII. I saw him do things I can't relate here. Then, I was abused at the hands of the staff of the Durango facility.

It appears the county officials believe they can abuse people in perpetuity, now acting like Nazi SS thugs. If I show up with my camera (like Ray Stern), will I get jailed and beaten?E.T. Arnold Jr., Willcox

Take the bastard down: Take these corrupt bastards down. Sheriff Joe is a complete scumbag and bully. Follow the money trail with his property in Fountain Hills. Expose this bastard, and let's put him behind bars in pink underwear where he belongs.Keith Hardy, Phoenix

A true hero: Just as New Times was way ahead of criminal proceedings against Charles Keating, we look forward to the day that Sheriff Arpaio and his cronies will get their own charges, convictions and jail time. Lacey is a true hero.Dan Farrell, Scottsdale

Joe's all about intimidation: Great article by Michael Lacey. Thanks especially for the revelation that Uncle Joe and friends attempt to intimidate political and other opponents by determining whether they have incarcerated friends or relatives and, then, threatening to expose them to harm in Arpaio's gang-infested jails.

MCSO doesn't, of course, have to make explicit threats. As in the example given, its agents can simply make pointed observations and let the imaginations of the victims do the rest. Let's hope that the past actions of these thugs and their mouthpieces catch up with them.Emil Pulsifer, Phoenix

If you know what I mean . . .: Sounds to me like this sheriff is a real scumbag. I'm surprised someone hasn't set him straight, if you know what I mean.Justin Woods, Boston

They're wasting your money: All I see is thousands of dollars of wasted taxpayer money and abuse of power by the Sheriff's Office. Once again, all this time, money and resources would be better spent on the violent criminals rather than used to retaliate against perceived enemies — the press.

Thank you, New Times, for keeping the public informed of the facts and details, while the other media cover what's fed to them by the Sheriff's and County Attorney's offices.Name withheld

Hear hear: Arpaio and Thomas are digging their own graves (figuratively). Their careers will be remembered for their waste, their arrogance, and their lack of any meaningful contribution to society. I look forward to the day that both are unemployed.Name withheld

WORDS FOR THE BIRD

Ankarlo's just another conservative loudmouth: Much thanks for exposing the award given by Phoenix Magazine to Darrell AnKKKarlo ("Ankarlo's Award," The Bird, Stephen Lemons, August 28). He tries to sell himself as a voice of reason, willing to hear both sides of an issue; but in reality he is an arch-conservative loudmouth, so convinced of his rightness, and hence convinced of the wrongness of those with whom he disagrees.